Soil CARE Act of 2026

This bill would require the Department of Agriculture to establish a training program for Natural Resources Conservation Service personnel and third-party providers focused on soil health management practices. The program would provide education and technical support on scientific methodologies designed to improve soil structure, cycle nutrients, and regenerate farmland. Training would be delivered through both online and in-person workshops at least twice every two years in each region, with curriculum updates required every two years.

The bill directly affects Department of Agriculture personnel within the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and third-party providers who will receive training on soil health management methodologies. Agricultural producers are also affected, as the program is designed to assist them in understanding and implementing systems to regenerate farmland. Additionally, entities with expertise in soil health management systems may enter into cooperative agreements to develop and deliver the training curriculum.

• Establishment of a soil health management training program. The Department of Agriculture must create a training program for Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) personnel and third-party providers focused on methodologies and practices that improve soil biological functions.
• Technical support for agricultural producers. The program provides resources and education to help NRCS staff assist farmers in understanding and implementing soil health management systems designed to regenerate farmland.
• Mandatory training frequency and format. Training must be offered twice every two years in each NRCS region and consist of both an online curriculum and in-person workshops.
• Collaborative development and curriculum updates. The USDA will develop the program through cooperative agreements with soil health experts and must review and update the curriculum every two years to reflect evolving science.
• Specific curriculum requirements. The training must include minimum requirements such as specific units on soil health and diversified production systems.

The bill expands the scope of existing Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) programs by requiring the Department of Agriculture to provide specialized soil health management training and technical support to NRCS personnel and third-party providers.

The bill aims to improve soil health and biological functions on farmland by establishing a specialized training program for Department of Agriculture personnel and third-party providers. This program is intended to provide technical expertise and resources to help agricultural producers understand and implement land management systems that regenerate soil and stabilize its structure.